You may have come across the terms ‘design narrative’ or ‘storytelling in design’ as you go about curating your own space. But does it really make a difference?
Everyday, we walk in and out of spaces and we unconsciously create a personal narrative of the room through our senses. As human beings, it is our nature to create and collect stories as long as we exist.
What influences these stories are the elements incorporated in a space. The warmth of the colors, the texture of the fabrics, and the design of the furniture, which when combined will dictate the energy and the overall spatial experience that flows in the room.
Just recently, we had the chance to sit down and have an exclusive conversation with one of the prominent interior designers of the country, who is very successful when it comes to connecting emotional meanings for the end user, while still embracing functionality and visual sensation.
Well known for her elegant taste and style, Holly Dawn and her team, HDH Design Studio, have gained their reputation when it comes to designing high-end fashion homes.
Read through as we show you some of her team’s finest creations and get tips on how to curate high-end spaces that tell stories, the HDH way.
“It is not just about creating spaces,
but more about creating experiences.“
“A part of my journey is getting into the weaving community of indigenous tribes and integrating a modern twist in that”
Holly described her designs to be largely leaning into island style with a combination of modern-luxe feels which was influenced by the environment she experienced while she was growing up in Cebu.
Aside from this, the different cultures, people and tradition she immersed herself in while she was completing her Masters Degree in Barcelona Spain to specialize in Design Management helped shape her skills in curating spaces that work for her clients.
“Energy is a very big part of how I create designs.
It needs to match the owner’s.”
Understanding Desire and Needs
“Each of the designs that we make for our clients are very unique to their personality.”
“It’s all about the user’s experience. As Interior Designers, it is our job to listen and understand the clients desire and needs.”
Holly Dawn’s Criteria When Choosing Furniture
Aesthetic
“The aesthetic of the furniture should depend on the space that we are trying to put it in.”
Shopping for furniture without a specific theme in mind might be difficult. There is a risk in getting individually wonderful pieces that do not go well when combined in a room.
Holly explained that whether it be Scandinavian, Nordic or other kinds of home styles, it is important to ensure that the design of the furniture and the decors you are placing it with, harmoniously complements together.
Comfortability
Aside from the aesthetics, one thing that you should also consider before purchasing a sofa or other furniture pieces is to personally get the feel of it.
Holly mentioned that she really tries the furniture to feel how it’s going to feel because at the end of the day, the most important thing is “the experience” of the user.
Durability
Is it going to last? What is it made of? How is it made?
These are some of the questions that one should ask when scouting for furniture.
It is important that the quality of the furniture is worth the money you are paying it for. Furniture is an investment that you make when curating a home because you would want something that you can enjoy for a long-time.
Budget
An aesthetically creative home might cost a lot, which is why it is important to identify a budget at the very beginning.
This will make it very easier for the designer to help the client achieve their interior design goals while being efficient with the money being spent.
It might be a challenge at first, but there are a lot of options available in the market that you can choose from with just a few clicks in your own home.
Click here to watch the full interview of Holly Dawn
